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Eyepiece Views: September, 2002
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THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF VARIABLE STAR OBSERVERS
25 Birch Street, Cambridge, MA 02138 USA
Tel. 617-354-0484 Fax 617-354-0665
http://www.aavso.org
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E Y E P I E C E V I E W S
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September, 2002 Vol 2 No 5
Table of Contents
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1. Introduction
2. An Observing Tale by Janet A. Mattei
3. A Memorable Observing Experience by Gerry Dyck
4. My Journey with Variables by Rod Stubbings
5. Hunters and Heroes by Mike Simonsen
6. Variable Star Chart CDROM 2.0
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1. FALL IS IN THE AIR!
Here we are again. You can smell the changing seasons in the
air. While we northern hemisphere based observers are moving into the
beautiful clear skies of the fall, the southern hemisphere is starting to
warm up for more comfortable summer observing experiences.
Of course fall means something else for the AAVSO, the annual fall meeting
is closing in. This year it will be held in Cambridge/Somerville on October
24-27, and it will be a joint event together with the International Dark
Sky Association. To find more information about our annual meeting, please
visit:
http://www.aavso.org/meetings/fall02.stm
Our current issue is again full of intriguing articles. When you read
Janet A. Mattei's heartwarming and 'friendly' experience with
variables, we are sure you will share her enthusiasm, experience and
thoughts about variable star observing.
Gerry Dyck recalls his unique observation of BC UMa, and Mike Simonsen takes
us to the world of unusual fall objects.
You can also connect with one of the southern hemisphere's most prolific
observers by sharing Rod Stubbing's journey into variable star observing.
We wish you a very enjoyable season with your 'variable friends'.
Thanks and good observing!
Gamze Menali, AAVSO Technical Assistant (MGQ)
Aaron Price, AAVSO Technical Assistant (PAH)
Mike Simonsen, AAVSO Observer (SXN)
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2. AN OBSERVING TALE - Janet A. Mattei
How have you made your "friendship" with variable stars? Has it been
through your observing? Or through your reading? Or through your training?
My friendship with variable stars have been built mostly on books,
papers, through the observations you our observers provide, and as an
astronomer through training in college and graduate schools, and as a
summer research assistant at Maria Mitchell Observatory where I
photographically or photometrically, using setting circles, and push
buttons, observed and studied variable stars. On the evening of April 27
- 28, 1984, I added another dimension to my acquaintance with variable
stars and it is that experience I wish to share with you, here.
It was a beautiful evening (remember the date is much before the
Internet, the AAVSO had no web site, no charts online, no chart CD, no
quick look file, no light curve generator and almost everything was on
paper) -- clear skies, mild spring temperatures, ideal observing
conditions, on April 27 - 28. My husband, Mike who had been observing the
planets, particularly Mars with his award winning telescope, the past few
weeks, was going observing that night at the clubhouse of Amateur
Telescope Maker's of Boston at Haystack Observatory. He convinced me to go
with him and do some observing. I gave in and decided to observe some
variables. I took Mike's folder of charts. I could not find our Norton's
Atlas, and I did not want to take The AAVSO Variable Star Atlas, as it was
too heavy to carry. After all I was going to observe some very easy stars
so I could do without it, (That was a wrong assumption from the start.) I
took my small planisphere that shows the naked eye stars, our 20 X 80
binoculars and a tripod.
In the yard of our club house, I set up the binoculars, put our chart
files on the hood of the car, and decided to enjoy the stars for a little
while before "serious observing". I spent a good amount of time just
sitting on a tree trunk and absorbing the beauty of the sky. I could
identify the constellations to which lots of my variable "friends" belong
to.
After a delightful time just enjoying the sky for about an hour I decided
to "seriously" acquaint myself with few of my "variable friends". I thought
I would try Z UMa, since I "know" it is easy to find, I suggest that to a
beginner observer, so often. I could not find its finding chart in the file
I had, so I gave up on Z UMa. As I checked the file of charts to decide
what I could observe, I found the charts for R UMa, and decided to go after
that. I searched for it in Ursa Major for maybe half an hour, all without
any luck. By this time my neck was so twisted, and aching so bad, I thought
there's got to be a more comfortable "friend" I could visit.
While rubbing my aching neck, I thought of the theme song...
His knees should bend and his neck should curl
His back should twist and his face should scowl.
One eye should squint and the other protrude
And this should be his customary attitude.
(Theme song for the aching amateur astronomical observer, selected from the
Harvard Observatory "Pinafore"; being a parody on the Gilbert and Sullivan
light opera: "H.M.S Pinafore," written 1879 by Winslow Upton of the Harvard
College Observatory and presented December 31, 1929 by members of the
Observatory Staff at a New Year's Eve party of the American Astronomical
Society on the occasion of its annual meeting. -Amateur Telescope Making
Advanced, 1949, Book two, page 521)
Why not try R Leo, another easy star, favorite of Leslie Peltier's, the
star that got him started in observing variables. Alas, I was disappointed
to find out that I had no charts for it. While leafing through the charts I
came across those of R LMi. That was a fairly easy long period variable, so
why not find out what it was doing. I had not checked AAVSO Bulletin 46 and
its supplement to figure out if it would be bright enough for me to observe
it with binoculars, but then R LMi is bright even at minimum for my 20 X 80
binoculars, I thought. I could almost see its light curve, in front of my
eyes. I got excited thinking that one of the dots we would be plotting on
the light curve of R LMi for April would be my very own, the product of
this night's observing.
Anxiously I started, I located R LMi on the "a" scale chart, next with
the chart in my hand, a small flashlight, stuck in my mouth as there was no
other place for it, I started to star hop slowly toward R LMi, in the sky.
You observers will remember there is a pair of bright stars to its east, in
Ursa Major and a pair of bright stars of Lynx to its west. I found these
pairs. I should be able to star hop right in to the field of R LMi, from
alpha Lynx, I thought. At this time I checked the "b" chart to see what
other faint stars are located in the field, and started to star hop. It was
going pretty good and I was feeling quite satisfied with myself. Just then
Mike called me to look at Mars and Saturn through his telescope. I decided
to take a little break, to do just that. Saturn looked beautiful, I could
see Cassini division, clearly. There were so many features visible on the
surface of Mars! After thoroughly enjoying the planetary display, I went
back to my observing of R LMi. Well, it had moved out the field of the
binoculars, so I found alpha Lynx again, and started all over. Just when I
had the field of R LMi in the eyepiece, a friend who was also observing
there stopped by to chat. Thus I took another short break, and got back to
my observing with a self-made promise that I would not let myself to be
interrupted again, until I made the brightness estimate of RLMi. So
back to the field R LMi I went. I found the comparison stars few bright
ones and few faint ones, and I started to search for R LMi. I could not see
it! I made sure I was in the right field, I checked the chart, and again, I
was so anxious to find it my eyes stuck on the eyepiece firmly, I noticed
the stars there slowly blurring out. I yelled at Mike that there is
something wrong with the binoculars, I checked the lenses for dewing, there
weren't but the eyepieces were, from the temperature of my eyes resting
against them. Well, I gently rubbed the dew off and started again.
I star hopped from one star to the other until I was looking at right
where LMi should be. It still could not see it. The faintest comparison
star I could see was the 10.9 magnitude one to the north east of R LMi.
Well, I recorded my time, my fainter than 10.9 estimate, the comparison
stars I used and decided to stop as by know, it was passed midnight, and I
had to get up early the next morning. I had made my very own variable star
observation and it took me three and a half hours!
As I was waiting for Mike to finish his observing I was reflecting on my
observing experience. I was feeling refreshed, as if I had communicated
with a friend up there, even though it took such a long time to make the
"connection". Variable star observing certainly requires patience, and
perseverance, and a lot of both, I found. Familiarity with the
constellations is a big help. It also helps to plan and organize one
observing, it took me so long to make one estimate, partly because I had
not been organized when I went observing. I did not bring the charts, and
the AAVSO Variable Star Atlas. I had not checked the AAVSO Bulletin 47
Supplement. If I had done all that I probably would have ended up being
acquainted with more "friends" than just R LMi. I did not do what I have
been preaching to you, our observers, and thus it took me three and a half
hours to make one estimate. I promised myself to do more observing, and
next time I go out to observe I will be better organized and more prepared.
I also realized that making variable star observations requires a real
concentration, it is best accomplished when working alone.
More than ever, my one estimate made in three and a half hours
made me sympathize with the new observers and the difficulties they encounter.
More than ever it made me appreciative of our observers' contribution month
after month. When I made my estimate of R LMi in three and a half hours, it
was a VERY mild night, I was not fighting with extreme cold, or wind. It
was clear; I was not fighting with passing clouds. The night was still; I
was not fighting with the painful interruptions by mosquitoes.
It was a beautiful night. I could almost "hear the silence", in reverence
to the majestic universe. I felt revitalized. I decided that observing was
one of the best cures for stress.
I wanted to shout out my one estimate of fainter than 10.9 to the world.
More than ever I realized how wonderful it would be and how much I wanted
to acknowledge each observer's contribution, if only time allowed. On the
evening of April 27 - 28, 1984, there were no mosquitoes around but I was
bitten by observing fever. You observer, next time you are out there trying
to reach your variable star friend, do know that I greatly appreciate and
know what you are going through; my silent thanks are going your way. And
who knows, I may even be trying to communicate with the same friend up
there on the same night as you.
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3. A MEMORABLE OBSERVING EXPERIENCE - Gerald P. Dyck
On September 8, 1990, I eagerly awaited the fall of night. The sky was
clear and I would be able to use merry-go-round observatory for the first
time after completing a major improvement, which had required eight hours
of back - breaking work that day. At sunset I took the one-minute walk down
the path through our woods to the clearing to open the observatory and
admire my handiwork. In one more hour I would test the results of my labor.
My objective that night was the same as that of every other clear night-
to observe a list of about sixty cataclysmic variables. As usual, I began
in the western sky, trying first to get those targets, which would soon be
"closed for the season". About two degrees above the tree line I detected
the naked eye 3.7- magnitude star, Chi Ursae Majoris. I had not seen that
one last night because it was already below the tree line. Chi Uma is the
first stop on my hop to BC Uma, a CV, which I had been monitoring for six
years. I put the finder on Chi, hopped to the third star of a dog leg of
8th magnitude stars below it, then moved to the eyepiece and hopped to the
"shovel", which opened onto the "L", inside of which was the target, just
visible above the tree top. I had made nearly five hundred "invisible,
but fainter than magnitude 14.0" observations of BC, but this time there
blazed forth on target a star at magnitude 11.0! I looked away. I checked
it again. I looked away. I triple checked. BC Uma was indeed in outburst!
The remainder of my observing session was postponed while I sprinted back
up the path to the phone and dialed 1-617-354-0484. I left my brief,
breathless message on the answering machine at AAVSO Headquarters, and then
explained to my wife what all the haste and excitement were about.
The next day, I learned from Director Janet Mattei that BC Ursae Majoris
had last undergone an outburst in 1982 and that I was the first observer to
report the current outburst. This was personally satisfying, but what made
this observation of BC Ursae Majoris even more unique was that it was made
on the night of the very day on which my observatory improvement was made-
raising the foundation with a double course of a cinder block to allow for
a better northwestern horizon of three degrees.
Gerald P. Dyck
29 Pleasant St.
Assonet, MA 02702
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4. MY JOURNEY WITH VARIABLES - Rod Stubbings
On July 19th 2002 I was checking my e-mail and noticed a message from the
director of the AAVSO Janet Mattei, titled, 'Invitation'. It was an
invitation to attend the Pan-Pacific, 91st Spring Meeting of the AAVSO,
held at Waikoloa Beach, Hawaii, to accept an award. After reading the
contents several times I felt very honored, but I could not possibly attend
this meeting. After all, I have not even ventured out of my own state, let
alone traveled on a plane. Thankfully Janet encouraged me to attend and
the realization of stepping into an international plane and travelling
overseas to the Big Island of Hawaii was about to come true.
The day has arrived and I am entering the International Airport, where do
I go to check in? Which line do I stand in? Tickets, passports, baggage, go
to gate 24, etc.... finally I'm on the plane for the first short leg to
Sydney. Almost repeating the now familiar scenario, I find myself
travelling over the deep blue sea for the 10-hour trip to Honolulu.
My introduction to Astronomy started in 1986 while reading a magazine, it
showed a 60mm refractor with stunning pictures of the Planets, and this
could all be seen with a magnification of 500X ! Well, it was ordered
immediately and I eagerly awaited its arrival. With my new telescope in
hand I headed outside to see these Planets, no not that one, must be this
one etc, etc..... could not find anything and I even had trouble focusing
on the stars. I went back inside a little deflated with the whole
situation. Not to be deterred, I headed to the newsagents for some books
on astronomy. My choice was 'Astronomy without a telescope'. This book
showed the names of the brightest stars in each constellation with lots of
well known objects, double stars and of course where to find these elusive
Planets, thus my observing career had started. I still remember the first
time I found Mars at 3AM one chilly morning, it looked just like an orange
peel.
The general interest in astronomy continued for a few years and I
eventually went along to the local astronomy club where I met Peter Nelson
who had an interest in variable stars. Peter was always writing articles
on variable stars and trying to get someone (and the more I've thought
about it - "bait" someone) to go out and make some observations. At this
point in time I was looking at the same objects each night so I thought I
could put my time to better use, the bait was taken and with my basic
knowledge of the night sky I set out to find all about these variable
stars. My first variable star observation was made on L Carinae in May
1993. L Car is a naked eye Cepheid variable with a period of 35.5 days
and a magnitude range of 3.3 - 4.1. I kept up observations on this star
for over 2 years, after all, it didn't matter where you were you could
always sneak out from a boring situation, get dark adapted and grab an
estimate on L Car. My first month of observing yielded 10 observations
with countless hours of star hopping and locating fields. The variable
star bug was starting to bite and I asked Peter if he had some time could
he send me a few more charts. Well Peter must have known what was about to
happen and you have heard the term 'strike while the iron is hot' well, I
was bombarded with charts, charts and more charts!
I progressed up through the stages of observing from naked eye,
binoculars, 60mm, 150mm, 250mm and 320mm reflecting telescopes. The
transition from each instrument was always a new learning curve with more
stars and deeper fields to get accustomed to. The variable bug is well and
truly entrenched and the satisfaction of knowing your data is being
accessed worldwide makes it all worth while. My association with the AAVSO
began in 1997 when I received an e-mail from the director Janet Mattei
asking if I could send observations of outbursting stars. This was further
encouragement to continue observing, especially coming from the director of
the AAVSO. In 2002, my 9th year of observing I have amassed over 100,000
observations, something that was never thought about in 1993.
The flight arrived in Honolulu at 1.00AM and the short hop to the Big
Island of Hawaii was not until 5.00AM. The airport was very quiet at this
hour and the sound of Hawaiian music in the background was very relaxing.
A good time to catch up on some sleep so I sprawled out on a concrete bench
and 'tried' to sleep. Every 15 minutes this recording interrupted the
Hawaiian music and said " Do not leave your baggage unattended, it will be
picked up and destroyed!" On the early morning flight to the Big Island we
were treated with a magnificent sunrise coupled with a beautiful view of
the islands. AAVSO staff members were on hand to greet arrivals at the
Kona airport and then driven to the resort, talk about being spoilt!
Having been in contact with several observers via e-mail only the meeting
provided great satisfaction with finally seeing the faces of so many
talented observers and amateur astronomers. I walked up to introduce
myself to Janet Mattei ( after all, no one new this guy from Australia )
and was greeted with a warm hug! Finally meeting the staff members was also
rewarding for both parties, as I had been only known as 'SRX' at
headquarters. Being my very first AAVSO meeting, listening to talks and
enjoying the social activities was such an experience I regard myself as
very fortunate to have been a part of it. I look forward to the next AAVSO
meeting should I be able to attend and catch up with friends.
After years of lost sleep I was intending to cut back on my observing,
but I now find myself refreshed and thinking about the next 100,000
observations!
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5.HUNTERS and HEROS - Mike Simonsen
CVs and Unusual Objects for Fall
At this time of year, the western and eastern horizons at dusk and dawn
are dominated by constellations representing hunters and heroes. This
"season of the hunter" is my favorite time of year to observe. Mild
temperatures, longer nights, better seeing, and generally clear skies get
me to the telescope early, and I stay as long as I can.
These bright constellations, lying on either side of the summer Milky
Way, contain a number of interesting cataclysmic variables and unusual
objects. So, whether you prefer hunting for CVs in the evening or the
morning, here is something for everyone.
Bootes seems to hang above the eastern horizon far longer than expected.
As the days grow shorter, he is given a nightly reprieve from vanishing
into the sun's glare.
1344+08 CR Boo- (AM CVn) This is an odd binary system consisting of two
white dwarfs, one accreting mass from the other. Outbursts occur, as with
"normal" dwarf novae, and are usually in the 13th magnitude range.
1439+22A UZ Boo- (UGSU) With outbursts occurring in 1978 and 1994, this is
one that you will have to wait for patiently. This star is comparable to
other dwarf novae with large amplitude outbursts and long cycle times. In
outburst it may get as bright as 11.5, so it will be hard to miss!
1454+41 TT Boo- (UGSU) At +40.6 degrees north declination, this is the last
of my program CVs in Bootes to fall into the sun each year. The outburst
cycle is around 200 days or so, and it gets into the mid-12's in outburst.
My star-hop to this variable begins at an 8th magnitude star attended by a
string of fainter stars running almost due north of it. As it happens, this
grouping makes an excellent indicator of the sky conditions for the
evening.
Hercules no longer gets the full ride across the zenith, but starts out
high enough that faint observations can still be made in darkness.
1626+21 V592 Her- (UGWZ?) Another one you will have to be patient for. Last
seen in outburst in 1998, this dwarf nova was discovered in 1968. Only one
other outburst has been detected, and that was recorded photographically,
in 1986. It shows large amplitude outbursts into the 12th magnitude range
with, obviously, long cycle times.
1640+25 AH Her- (UGZ) One of the most hyperactive of the UGZ type stars,
and easy to keep track of in a moderate sized scope. This one seems to have
gone into a small outburst from standstill in late August. Keep an eye on
this one. You never know what it will do next.
1802+31 V1008 Her- (UG) Formerly known as Var61 Her, this little studied UG
outbursts into the 14th magnitude range, roughly once every 300 days or so.
There are new charts with a CCD(V) sequence that make this one easier to
find and observe.
1830+24A CH Her- (UG) This CV seems to exhibit bright outbursts in the 14th
magnitude range and fainter outbursts in the 15th magnitude range at very
irregular intervals.
In the morning, Perseus rises in the northeast, chasing Cassiopeia around
the pole. If I were to re-make the constellations, the Pleaides would be
part of Perseus, instead of Taurus.
0130+50 KT Per- (UGZ) One of my 'top ten' favorite CVs, this is a fun one
to follow. It is fairly active, so about half the time I observe it, it is
in outburst, fading or in standstill. It can get as bright as 10.6 in
outburst, and fades to around 16th magnitude in quiescence, so bigger
scopes can follow the action in its entirety. The star-hop to get there
takes me right past M76, the Little Dumbbell.
0203+56A UV Per- (UGSU) This is another CV with fairly long cycles and
large amplitude outbursts that may get as bright as 11.7! This is a field
that I sometimes take in just for the sheer beauty of the stars and
asterisms that abound in the vicinity of the variable. Even the view in the
finder scope is impressive.
0206+57A TZ Per- (UGZ) Just a short hop north from UV Per, in the same
finder scope asterism, is another of the more hyperactive UGZs. TZ Per
seems to be up to something all the time. It has a close 14th magnitude
companion that can fool uninitiated observers, so be careful in identifying
the variable. With a range of 12.3 -15.6, this is another one that can be
followed all the time with a 12" or bigger scope.
0228+55 DY Per- (R CrB) This star is just recovering from a dramatic fading
episode. Usually hovering precariously around 11th magnitude, this star
began to fade in January last year. It seems to have bottomed out around
14th magnitude, and has now recovered to almost 12th magnitude. This is a
strangely enigmatic R CrB type star, which may one day prove to be a
missing link or member of a subset of R CrB types.
0401+50 FO Per- (UGZ) Leaving the cluster-laden regions around UV, TZ and
KT Per behind, I head north to another old favorite, FO Perseii. This is
another UGZ that is quite active. I don't recall seeing it exhibit
standstills, like most UGZs, but frequent outbursts in the 13th magnitude
range make it a worthwhile stop if you want to actually see a CV in
outburst from night to night.
When the great hunter, Orion, finally clears the trees before dawn here in
Michigan, the foliage on the trees begins to turn. A sense of urgency sets
in, to take advantage of the mild weather and clear skies, because I know
winter can't be too far away.
0507-05 CN Ori- (UGZ) Almost due east of M42, this is another UGZ that
lacks the obvious typical Z Cam type standstills. It is quite active and
fairly bright in outburst, getting up to 11.9 or so. Passing by M42 on the
nightly run can be a distraction or a blessing, depending on your frame of
reference.
0524-03 V1159 Ori- (UGSU ER)- Located about mid-way between M42 and Eta
Orionis, this star is one of the most active UGSU types, with an outburst
cycle of around four days! Unfortunately, this star lies in one of those
mysterious hazy patches in the sky that make it a bit difficult to observe.
There are a number of these hazy regions in Orion, Taurus and Monoceris
that I think are nebulous, and make observations more difficult than usual.
0611+15 CZ Ori- (UGSS)- Sometimes you get lucky and find CN, V1159 and CZ
Ori all in outburst on the same night! This UGSS is also quite active and
reaches 11.2 in outburst on occasion. This chart is a "twofer", with V344
Ori (UG: 14.2- 17.5p) WNW on the same chart.
For those of you that monitor these and other CVs in the wee hours of the
night, my hat is off to you for being the "hunters" of amateur astronomy.
And to the researchers and professional astronomers, who rely on your
notification of outbursts of targets of opportunity, you are the 'heroes'
of variable star observing.
Clear Skies and Happy Hunting!
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6. VARIABLE STAR CHART CDROM 2.0
The AAVSO Variable Star Chart CDROM 2.0 is the follow up to the first
CDROM collection of variable star charts published in January of 2001.
Here are some details of the project. However, the CDROM is currently
still in development so these details are subject to change.
Contents
The collection is two CDROMS with over 4,500 star charts for over 2,000
objects.
* The entire AAVSO collection of Variable Star Charts: This is every chart
on the first CDROM, plus new and updated charts published since then. This
includes over 135 new EB/RR Lyrae charts, 70 new PEP charts, 30
constellation finder charts, and hundreds of new visual and CCD charts.
* ChartCD 2.0: This MS Windows software allows you to print all the
charts on a single sheet of paper on every printer. It also allows you
to zoom, reverse, and search the charts based on RA and DEC. It
mirrors most of the capabilities of the online chart search engine.
This program replaces the HTML files on the previous CD. (ChartCD is
also available for download and use with the first AAVSO CDROM by
visiting http://www.aavso.org/cdata/chartcd.shtml.)
* Directory Structure: The directory structure will be a mirror of the
AAVSO chart FTP site so that those not running Windows can access the
files directly. An art program will then be needed to view and print
the GIF charts. Those with PostScript printers can just copy the
PostScript files directly to their printer.
For more information on the price and ordering, please visit the URL below:
/observing/charts/chartcdrom.shtml
Send additional questions to charts@aavso.org.
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EYEPIECE Views is published bimonthly and when circumstances warrant
via e-mail. An archive is available at http://www.aavso.org/eyepieceviews/ .
Please send comments and suggestions to gamze@aavso.org.
To receive EYEPIECE Views via e-mail send a message to
majordomo@aavso.org with "subscribe eyepieceviews" in the body of the
e-mail. To unsubscribe, place "unsubscribe eyepieceviews" in the e-mail.
The AAVSO has many free online publications including "CCD
Views", a similar newsletter intended for ccd observers. To learn
more and subscribe visit: http://www.aavso.org/mailinglists.stm
Good observing!
Gamze Menali,AAVSO Technical Assistant (MGQ)
Aaron Price, AAVSO Technical Assistant (PAH)
Mike Simonsen, AAVSO Observer (SXN)
Copyright 2002, American Association of Variable Star Observers
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THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF VARIABLE STAR OBSERVERS
25 Birch Street, Cambridge, MA 02138 USA
Tel. 617-354-0484 Fax 617-354-0665
http://www.aavso.org
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